With the forecast predicting temperatures in the upper 90s and 100s in the coming days, pets need extra care to avoid heat stroke and related problems. Kassie Kepler, a veterinary technician at Animal Health Center of Lampasas, said common signs of heat stroke include lethargy, heavy panting, fast heart rate, brick-red gums and being unable to get up.
She said some pets, like bulldog breeds, will be more susceptible to the heat because they already have a harder time breathing than other breeds. A Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences article states this is because of short snouts, which some cats also have.
“While people sweat all over to get rid of excess heat, dogs and cats are only able to sweat through their paw pads,” the article said.
Kepler said it is better to limit the animals’ time spent outside during the hot daytime, and pets should have access to fresh water.
Never leave a pet in a hot vehicle, where temperatures can climb well into the 100s, even with a window cracked. Other recommendations are to limit exercise and avoid walking pets on hot pavement, which could burn their paws. Make sure they have shade.
Be sure to watch pets by swimming pools, even if they are good swimmers, because they could become exhausted trying to cool themselves off.
For livestock, some people have cold barns, Kepler said. In a Texas Farm Bureau article titled “Manage heat stress in cattle this summer,” access to water is listed as crucial. Beef cattle might show signs of heat stress by salivating, breathing with their mouths open and panting, among other symptoms.
“When beef cattle aren’t able to dissipate their heat, it can cause internal and external issues for the animal, and sometimes those can result in loss of life,” the article states.
According to the University of Minnesota Extension Service website, things that can lead to overheating in horses include inadequate ventilation in the barn, overwork, obesity and too much sun exposure. Horses also can overheat during transportation.
“Allowing a hot horse a few swallows of cool, fresh water every few minutes is key to combat the effects of heat stress,” the article said.
Limit activity, give them shade, and even put electrolyte formulas for horses in their water – but not all their available water, since they might prefer the plain water and avoid the electrolyte water.
Owners also should make sure the horses’ coats are clipped and provide airflow by having fans in their space.
“If we suspect heat stroke, the best advice is to bring them to the veterinarian as soon as possible, because it can lead to severe organ dysfunction,” Kepler said.
